Is this true?

[siadwell]

I didn't know IT people were so anti-cycling!!

It's because a lot of them are nob heads. I should know, I work in IT.

 

[Arch]

It sounds like someone is confusing on road cycle lanes with off road cycle/shared paths, with the 'give way' lines at junctions.

Or, they are just making it all up.

 

[marinyork]

Whatever the case, the exact priority will be determined by the white lines. In many cases that would mean the OP quote is complete rubbish. At other times it might mean having to give way (as outlined by others). White lanes are pretty simple beasts, I don't know why so many people just don't get them.

 

[BentMikey]

Besides which, you should normally be taking the lane across junctions anyway, not staying in the cycle lane. It's the wrong place to be.

 

[mattybain]

Besides which, you should normally be taking the lane across junctions anyway, not staying in the cycle lane. It's the wrong place to be.

Not sure what you mean? do you mean that everytime you come to a left hand turn you should move out of the cycle lane and into the car lane?

 

[wafflycat]

Preferrably one avoids psychle farcilities in the first place. They are the work of Stan.

 

[Arch]

Not sure what you mean? do you mean that everytime you come to a left hand turn you should move out of the cycle lane and into the car lane?

To be pedantic, there are no 'car' lanes. There are bike lanes, and teh rest of the road, which is for the use of all traffic..

It's often a good idea to move out a little at left turns for a couple of reasons. One, to discourage the 'left hook' (car overtakes, then turns left across you), and two, to make yourself more visible to anyone turning out of the left turn, by placing yourself where they will be looking for cars. Also, if you are further out, you have more space to play with if someone coming out overshoots the give way line, or doesn't look like they are going to stop.

I can't say I do it every time, but I'm aware of it as a tactic.

 

[Landslide]

@cyclehatingmotorist

 

[another_dave_b]

Surely if the car was turning left, and hit a cyclist, then the question would be 'was they cyclist overtaking on the left', which would put the cyclist in the wrong. Wouldn't it?

 

[CotterPin]

Surely if the car was turning left, and hit a cyclist, then the question would be 'was they cyclist overtaking on the left', which would put the cyclist in the wrong. Wouldn't it?

I would think not.

Imagine you have two "car lanes". I know that there is no such thing, as Arch has pointed out. You are in the right hand lane and want to turn left. If you like, you can make the left hand lane a bus lane.

Would you

(a) Suddenly turn left over the left hand lane to make your turn, irrespective of whether there is anything in that lane?

or

( In good time, look to see if anything is in the left hand lane, indicate and then make your turn when the left lane is clear?*


Basically, if there is a bike lane, it is another lane in the road and ought to be treated as such

* obviously in the analogy of two "car" lanes, you would move into the left hand lane before turning left

 

[garrilla]

BTW, If anyone missed the OPs original reference to James Martin, its here

Article: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/09/15/james_martin_wikikicking/
Comments: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/09/15/james_martin_wikikicking/comments/

 

[mattybain]

To be pedantic, there are no 'car' lanes. There are bike lanes, and teh rest of the road, which is for the use of all traffic..

It's often a good idea to move out a little at left turns for a couple of reasons. One, to discourage the 'left hook' (car overtakes, then turns left across you), and two, to make yourself more visible to anyone turning out of the left turn, by placing yourself where they will be looking for cars. Also, if you are further out, you have more space to play with if someone coming out overshoots the give way line, or doesn't look like they are going to stop.

I can't say I do it every time, but I'm aware of it as a tactic.

Wow, yes that was pedantic, I was just trying to be clear as there was some confusion in previous posts.

I think there is a difference between moving out "a little" and adopting say a primary position in the "all vehicle lane", I just wanted to understand what BentMikey was saying, as to me it wasn't clear.

 

[2Loose]

It's because a lot of them are nob heads. I should know, I work in IT.

LoL - 2nded

 

[Arch]

Wow, yes that was pedantic, I was just trying to be clear as there was some confusion in previous posts.

Pedantry is what I do best....

I think there is a difference between moving out "a little" and adopting say a primary position in the "all vehicle lane", I just wanted to understand what BentMikey was saying, as to me it wasn't clear.

I guess it depends on where you start from. 'A little' from the gutter, or the middle of a painted cycle lane wouldn't be the same as primary no, but a little from a strong secondary position could well put you in primary, depending on the width of the lane. I wold imagine BentMikey was advocating primary, or a very strong secondary. I play it by ear - some roads you just know you need to be more assertive on.

 

[mattybain]

Pedantry is what I do best....

You must be great fun at parties